The Royal Challengers Bengaluru have once again etched their name in the annals of T20 cricket, clinching the IPL 2026 title with a hard-fought five-wicket victory over the Gujarat Titans in a thrilling final. While the explosive, unbeaten 75 from Virat Kohli and the astute captaincy of Rajat Patidar rightly dominated the post-match discussions, another remarkable record quietly continued to unfold in Ahmedabad.
Australian speedster Josh Hazlewood found himself on the winning side of a T20 final for an incredible sixth time. This latest triumph with RCB extends a personal winning streak in T20 finals that spans over a decade, solidifying his status as a true finals specialist in the shortest format of the game.
Hazlewood played a crucial role in the decisive encounter, contributing with the ball to help restrict the Gujarat Titans to 155 for 8. His economical spell of 2 for 37 proved vital in setting up a chase that his RCB teammates successfully navigated, reaching the target with 18.4 overs to spare and five wickets in hand.
Hazlewood’s Unblemished Record in T20 Finals
The consistency of Josh Hazlewood in high-stakes T20 matches is nothing short of extraordinary. His journey to becoming a six-time T20 final winner began in 2012 and has continued through various tournaments and teams, demonstrating a remarkable ability to perform under pressure when it matters most.
Here’s a comprehensive look at the T20 finals Hazlewood has been a part of and emerged victorious:
- 2012 Champions League T20: Hazlewood was a key member of the Sydney Sixers squad that took out the Champions League T20 title. In the final against the Highveld Lions, he delivered a stellar performance with the ball, taking 3 wickets for 22 runs, playing a pivotal role in their victory.
- 2020 Big Bash League: Returning to his Australian roots, Hazlewood represented the Sydney Sixers in the 2020 BBL final. He contributed with 1 wicket for 18 runs against the Melbourne Stars, helping his team secure the coveted domestic T20 title.
- 2021 Indian Premier League: Hazlewood experienced IPL glory with the Chennai Super Kings in 2021. In the final against the Kolkata Knight Riders, he claimed 2 wickets for 29 runs, a significant contribution towards CSK’s championship win.
- 2021 T20 World Cup: The pinnacle of international T20 cricket saw Hazlewood in prime form for Australia. In the T20 World Cup final against New Zealand, he was instrumental with the ball, taking 3 wickets for 16 runs, a match-winning spell that led Australia to their maiden T20 World Cup title.
- 2025 Indian Premier League: Re-emerging in the IPL, this time with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Hazlewood was part of the squad that triumphed in the 2025 season. While his figures in that final were 1 wicket for 54 runs against Punjab Kings, his presence and contributions throughout the campaign were invaluable to the team’s success.
- 2026 Indian Premier League: The most recent chapter in this remarkable success story, Hazlewood once again donned the RCB colours and was instrumental in their 2026 IPL triumph. His bowling figures in the final against Gujarat Titans were 2 wickets for 37 runs, reinforcing his importance to the team’s bowling attack.
A Legacy Built on Consistent Excellence
Josh Hazlewood’s unbeaten streak in T20 finals is not a matter of sheer luck; it’s a testament to his unwavering consistency and his ability to deliver under immense pressure. Whether representing his country on the world stage or competing for franchise honours, Hazlewood has consistently found a way to be on the winning side.
Even though he might not always command the same headlines as some of his more flamboyant Australian pace bowling counterparts like Pat Cummins or Mitchell Starc, Hazlewood’s record speaks for itself. Over a period of 14 years, he has been a part of six T20 finals and has walked away with the winner’s trophy on every single occasion. This remarkable feat highlights his enduring impact on the T20 landscape and his crucial role in the success of every team he represents in these high-stakes encounters.
The 35-year-old’s ability to perform when it truly matters, from the Champions League T20 in his early career to the T20 World Cup and multiple IPL finals, underscores his mental fortitude and tactical acumen. His consistent presence in winning T20 final line-ups solidifies his place among the most successful cricketers in the history of the format. The latest victory for RCB ensures that this astonishing unbeaten record continues to grow, setting a benchmark for future generations of T20 cricketers.
